Carbyne Complexes Research Articles

Synthesis and Characterization of a Molybdenum Alkylidyne Supported by a Trianionic OCO3– Pincer Ligand

This report details the preparation of the trianionic pincer ligand supported Mo–alkylidyne complex [tBuOCO]Mo≡CMes(THF)2 (5). The catalytic activity of [tBuOCO]Mo≡CMes(THF)2 (5) for alkyne polymerization is limited in contrast to its W-congener. Solution and crystallographic evidence for the conversion of the trianionic pincer complex [tBuOCO]Mo≡CMes(THF)2 (5) to a tetraanionic pincer complex [O2C(MesC═)Mo(η2-CH≡CtBu)(THF)] (6) upon exposure to tert-butylacetylene is provided.

Dative and electron-sharing bonding in transition metal compounds.

Quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory at the BP86-D3(BJ)/def2-TZVPP level of theory are reported for transition metal compounds [TM]-L in high and low oxidation states involving carbene, carbyne, alkene, and alkyne ligands L. The nature of the [TM]-L bond is analyzed with the energy decomposition analysis - natural orbitals for chemical valence (EDA-NOCV) method. The calculations reveal that transition metal compounds with ligands, that are typically classified as donor-acceptor complexes possessing dative bonds (Fischer-type carbenes and carbynes, alkene, and alkyne complexes) or as TM compounds with electron-sharing bonds (Schrock-type carbenes and carbynes, metallacyclopropanes, and metallacyclopropenes), exhibit significant differences between the orbital interactions when closed-shell or open shell fragments are used. Fischer-type carbene complexes have much lower orbital interaction (ΔEorb ) values when singlet fragments are employed compared to triplet fragments. In contrast, singlet and triplet fragments of Schrock-type carbene complexes give similar ΔEorb values. The best description for Fischer-type carbyne complexes is found for neutral fragments in their electronic doublet state, which engage in a mixture of dative bonding (σ donation and π backdonation) and one electron-sharing π bond. The EDA-NOCV calculations of Schrock-type carbynes using open-shell species in their quartet electronic state give similar ΔEorb values as neutral fragments in their electronic doublet state. Alkene and alkyne complexes, but also metallacyclic species, are best described with singlet fragments, but the difference between the ΔEorb values for dative bonding and electron-sharing bonding using triplet fragments becomes much smaller for molecules that are considered as metallacycles. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Efficient catalytic alkyne metathesis with a fluoroalkoxy-supported ditungsten(III) complex.

The molybdenum and tungsten complexes M2(OR)6 (Mo2F6, M = Mo, R = C(CF3)2Me; W2F3, M = W, R = OC(CF3)Me2) were synthesized as bimetallic congeners of the highly active alkyne metathesis catalysts [MesC≡M{OC(CF3)nMe3−n}] (MoF6, M = Mo, n = 2; WF3, M = W, n = 1; Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl). The corresponding benzylidyne complex [PhC≡W{OC(CF3)Me2}] (WPhF3) was prepared by cleaving the W≡W bond in W2F3 with 1-phenyl-1-propyne. The catalytic alkyne metathesis activity of these metal complexes was determined in the self-metathesis, ring-closing alkyne metathesis and cross-metathesis of internal and terminal alkynes, revealing an almost equally high metathesis activity for the bimetallic tungsten complex W2F3 and the alkylidyne complex WPhF3. In contrast, Mo2F6 displayed no significant activity in alkyne metathesis.

Exploration of Solvent Effects on the Spectroscopic Properties (Ir and 13C NMR) in the OsCl3(≡CCH2CMe3)(PH3)2 Carbyne Complex

In this investigation, the spectroscopic properties (IR and 13C NMR) of the carbyne complex OsCl3(≡CCH2CMe3)(PH3)2 are investigated in the gas and solution phases. The polarizable continuum model is used to study the solvent effect on these parameters. The wavenumbers of selected IR-active vibrations and 13C NMR chemical shifts of the carbyne atom in various solvents (acetone, methanol, ethanol, nitromethane, DMSO) are calculated and correlated with the Kirkwood–Bauer–Magat equation and the linear solvation energy relationship.

Unraveling the Mechanism of 1,3‐Diyne Cross‐Metathesis Catalyzed by Silanolate‐Supported Tungsten Alkylidyne Complexes

The benzylidyne complex [PhC≡W{OSi(OtBu)3 }3 ] (1) catalyzed the cross-metathesis between 1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,3-butadiyne (2) and symmetrical 1,3-diynes (3) efficiently, which gave access to TMS-capped 1,3-diynes RC≡C-C≡CSiMe3 (4). Diyne cross-metathesis (DYCM) studies with 13 C-labeled diyne PhC≡13 C-13 C≡CPh (3*) revealed that this reaction proceeds through reversible carbon-carbon triple-bond cleavage and formation according to the conventional mechanism of alkyne metathesis. The reaction between 1 and 3* afforded the 3-phenylpropynylidyne complex PhC≡13 C-13 C≡W{OSi(OtBu)3 }3 ] (5*), indicating that alkynylalkylidyne complexes are likely to act as catalytically active species. Attempts to isolate 5* from mixtures of 1 and 3* afforded crystals of the ditungsten 2-butyne-1,4-diylidyne complex [(tBuO)3 SiO}3 W≡13 C-13 C≡13 C-13 C≡W{OSi(OtBu)3 }3 ] (6*), which was additionally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. Depolymerization-macrocyclization of a carbazole-butadiyne polymer, obtained from 3,6-diethynyl-9-dodecylcarbazole (7) under copper-catalyzed Hay coupling conditions, was also efficiently catalyzed by 1 and afforded a mixture of mono-, diyne- and triyne-containing tetrameric macrocycles, revealing that diyne disproportionation into monoynes and triynes occurs as a slow side reaction that interferes with a high diyne metathesis selectivity. Potential catalytic pathways were studied by means of quantum-chemical calculations, and kinetic studies were performed to substantiate an α,α-mechanism for the catalytic diyne metathesis reaction, which involves intermediate alkynylalkylidyne and α,α'-dialkynylmetallacyclobutadiene intermediates.

Unraveling the Mechanism of 1,3‐Diyne Cross‐Metathesis Catalyzed by Silanolate‐Supported Tungsten Alkylidyne Complexes

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Matthias Tamm at the Technische Universität Braunschweig. The image depicts an ambitious karateka opting to break the carbon–carbon triple bond rather than the single bond. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201801651.

Solvent effect on isomerization reaction of [(η5-C5H5)(CO)2Re[dbnd]C(C2HB10H10)(C6H5)] carbene complex to [(η5-C5H5)(CO)(COC2HB10H10)Re[tbnd]CC6H5] carbyne complex: A computational investigation

In this study, solvent effect on isomerization reaction of [(η5-C5H5)(CO)2ReC(C2HB10H10)(C6H5)] carbene complex to [(η5-C5H5)(CO)(COC2HB10H10)ReCC6H5] carbyne complex was investigated using MPW1PW91-bases quantum mechanical calculations. Solvent effect was explored through applying polarizable continuum model (PCM), which is a self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) approach. The reaction was explored in bromoethan, cycloHexanone, n,n-dinethylformamide (DMF), o-nitrotoluene, and tetraHydroThiophene-s,s-dioxid (THTDO). Influence of dielectric constant values of these solvents on the relative energies, thermodynamics parameters, and frontier orbitals of the complexes was revealed. Furthermore, percentage compositions of two isomers were inspected, in terms of the defined groups of frontier orbitals, to evaluate characters of their M-Ccarbene and M-Ccarbyne bonds. Rate constant of the isomerization reaction was calculated from 200 K to1200 K in gas phase.

Silica‐Supported Molybdenum Alkylidyne N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysts: Relevance of Site Isolation to Catalytic Performance

AbstractThe immobilization of the molybdenum alkylidyne complex [(p‐OMe‐C6H4C≡)Mo(OCMe(CF3)2)3⋅DME] (DME=1,2‐dimethoxyethane) on silica using a silica‐supported N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC), that is, 1,3‐di(isopropyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene, is reported. Two different types of silica, that is, silica 60 and partially dehydroxylated silica 60 obtained via heating to 650 °C (SiO2‐650) were used. In both cases, excess silanol groups were end‐capped with trimethylsilyl chloride. Immobilization of both the NHC precursor and the metal alkylidyne was followed by 19F magic angle spinning (MAS) and 13C cross‐polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) NMR and inductively‐coupled optical emission spectroscopy (ICP–OES). The metal alkylidyne supported on both types of silica was active in alkyne metathesis and showed activity for a series of functional 2‐alkynes. Most importantly, the metal alkylidyne supported on SiO2‐650 displayed a substantially higher alkyne metathesis activity than the homogeneous analog or the one supported on regular silica, which is attributed to a site isolation effect and, as a result, reduced bimolecular decomposition.

Isolation of an Eleven‐Atom Polydentate Carbon‐Chain Chelate Obtained by Cycloaddition of a Cyclic Osmium Carbyne with an Alkyne

AbstractCarbon ligands have long played an important role in organometallic chemistry. However, previous examples of all‐carbon chelating ligands are limited. Herein, we present a novel complex with an eleven‐atom carbon chain as a polydentate chelating ligand. This species was formed by the [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of two equivalents of an alkyne with an osmapentalyne that contains the smallest carbyne bond angle (127.9°) ever observed. Density functional calculations revealed that electron‐donating groups play a key role in the stabilization of this polydentate carbon‐chain chelate. This process is also the first [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of an alkyne with a late‐transition‐metal carbyne complex. This study not only enriches the chemistry of polydentate carbon‐chain chelates, but also deepens our understanding of the chelating ability of carbon ligands.

Isolation of an Eleven-Atom Polydentate Carbon-Chain Chelate Obtained by Cycloaddition of a Cyclic Osmium Carbyne with an Alkyne.

Carbon ligands have long played an important role in organometallic chemistry. However, previous examples of all-carbon chelating ligands are limited. Herein, we present a novel complex with an eleven-atom carbon chain as a polydentate chelating ligand. This species was formed by the [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of two equivalents of an alkyne with an osmapentalyne that contains the smallest carbyne bond angle (127.9°) ever observed. Density functional calculations revealed that electron-donating groups play a key role in the stabilization of this polydentate carbon-chain chelate. This process is also the first [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of an alkyne with a late-transition-metal carbyne complex. This study not only enriches the chemistry of polydentate carbon-chain chelates, but also deepens our understanding of the chelating ability of carbon ligands.

Syntheses of Molybdenum Oxo Alkylidene Complexes through Addition of Water to an Alkylidyne Complex.

Addition of one equiv of water to Mo(CAr)[OCMe(CF3)2]3(1,2-dimethoxyethane) (2, Ar = o-(OMe)C6H4) in the presence of PPhMe2 leads to formation of Mo(O)(CHAr)[OCMe(CF3)2]2(PPhMe2) (3(PPhMe2)) in 34% yield. Addition of one equiv of water alone to 2 produces the dimeric alkylidyne hydroxide complex, {Mo(CAr)[OCMe(CF3)2]2(μ-OH)}2(dme) (4(dme)) in which each bridging hydroxide proton points toward an oxygen atom in an arylmethoxy group. Addition of PMe3 to 4(dme) gives the alkylidene oxo complex, (3(PMe3)), an analogue of 3(PPhMe2) (95% conversion, 66% isolated). Treatment of 3(PMe3) with two equiv of HCl gave Mo(O)(CHAr)Cl2(PMe3) (5), which upon addition of LiO-2,6-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3 (LiOHIPT) gave Mo(O)(CHAr)(OHIPT)Cl(PMe3) (6). Compound 6 in the presence of B(C6F5)3 will initiate the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctene, 5,6-dicarbomethoxynorbornadiene (DCMNBD), and rac-5,6-dicarbomethoxynorbornene (DCMNBE), and the homocoupling of 1-decene to 9-octadecene. The poly(DCMNBD) has a cis,syndiotactic structure, whereas poly(DCMNBE) has a cis,syndiotactic,alt structure. X-ray structures were obtained for 3(PPhMe2), 4(dme), and 6.

Syntheses of Re(V) Alkylidyne Complexes and Ligand Effect on the Reactivity of Re(V) Alkylidyne Complexes toward Alkynes

A series of new d2 Re (V) alkylidyne complexes were synthesized, including Re(≡CCH2Ph)Cl2(PR3)3 (PR3 = PMe3, and PMePh2), Re(≡CCH2Ph)I2(PMePh2)3, Re(≡CPh)(S2CNEt2)2(PMePh2), [CpRe(≡CPh)(PMePh2)2]Cl, and Re(≡CCH2Ph)(mnt)(PMePh2)2. The complexes Re(≡CCH2Ar)Cl2(PR3)3 (PR3 = PMe3, PMe2Ph, and PMePh2) as well as Re(≡CCH2Ph)I2(PMePh2)3 were found to undergo alkyne metathesis reactions with PhC≡CPh, while the other complexes are inactive. The activity of Re(≡CCH2Ar)Cl2(PR3)3 toward alkyne metathesis reactions with PhC≡CPh is in the order of PMe3 < PMe2Ph < PMePh2. The complex Re(≡CCH2Ph)I2(PMePh2)3 is slightly less reactive than its chloride analog. The difference in the reactivity of the alkylidyne complexes has been studied computationally.

Exploring solvent effects on the spectroscopic properties (IR and 13C NMR) in the OsCl3(≡CCH2CMe3)(PH3)2 carbyne complex

Exploring solvent effects on the spectroscopic properties (IR and 13C NMR) in the OsCl3(≡CCH2CMe3)(PH3)2 carbyne complex

Deprotonation of a formato ligand by a cis-coordinated carbyne ligand within a bis(phenolate) tungsten complex.

Deprotonation of a formato ligand by a cis-coordinated propylidyne ligand in a tungsten(vi) complex [(OSSO)W([triple bond, length as m-dash]CEt)(OCHO)] (3) that contains a tetradentate bis(phenolato) ligand (OSSO = {1,4-dithiabutanediyl-2,2'-bis(4,6-di-tert-butyl-phenolato)}) gave the dioxo complex [(OSSO)WO2] (4) along with CO, ethylene and propylene as major products of decomposition.

A complete set of pnictocarbynes: [M(CAPh2)(CO)2(Tp*)] (M = Mo, W; A = N, P, As, Sb, Bi; Tp* = hydrotris(dimethylpyrazolyl)-borate)

The first two complete series of pnictogen functionalised carbyne complexes, [M([triple bond, length as m-dash]CAPh2)(CO)2(Tp*)] (M = Mo, W; A = N, P, As, Sb, Bi; Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate), have been prepared. The heavier analogues (A ≠ N) result from successive treatment of [M([triple bond, length as m-dash]CBr)(CO)2(Tp*)] with nBuLi and ClAPPh2 (A = P, Sb, Bi) or BrAsPh2 and include the first examples of arsino, stibino or bismuthino carbyne complexes.

Dual reactivity pattern of Mn(I) carbyne complexes Cp(CO)2Mn+≡C–R (R = Ar, Alk) vs. dppm: Subtle balance between double intramolecular nucleophilic addition and nucleophilic addition followed by migratory CO insertion

The Mn(I) cationic carbyne complexes [Cp(CO)2Mn+≡C–R]BX4 (R = Ph, Tol, Me, Bn; X = F, Cl, Ph) react with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane to afford selectively either cyclic λ5-1,3-diphosphetium semi-ylides [RC–P+Ph2CH2P+Ph2)]BPh4 ([R4]BPh4; R = Ph, Tol), or Mn(I) complexes [Cp(CO)Mn(η3-(P,C,C)-Ph2PCH2P+Ph2C(R)=C=O)]BX4 ([R5]BX4; R = Me, X = Ph; R = Bn, X = F) featuring unprecedented phosphonioketene ligands depending on the nature of the carbyne substituent, aryl or alkyl, respectively. The selective formation of these products is tentatively rationalized through the key formation of a transient cationic Mn(I) phosphoniocarbene complexes [Cp(CO)2Mn=C(R)PPh2+CH2PPh2]BX4 bearing a pendent phosphine moiety. The molecular structures of semi-ylide [Ph4]BPh4 and complex [Bn5]BF4 were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Molecular and Silica-Supported Molybdenum Alkyne Metathesis Catalysts: Influence of Electronics and Dynamics on Activity Revealed by Kinetics, Solid-State NMR, and Chemical Shift Analysis.

Molybdenum-based molecular alkylidyne complexes of the type [MesC≡Mo{OC(CH3)3-x(CF3)x}3] (MoF0, x = 0; MoF3, x = 1; MoF6, x = 2; MoF9, x = 3; Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) and their silica-supported analogues are prepared and characterized at the molecular level, in particular by solid-state NMR, and their alkyne metathesis catalytic activity is evaluated. The 13C NMR chemical shift of the alkylidyne carbon increases with increasing number of fluorine atoms on the alkoxide ligands for both molecular and supported catalysts but with more shielded values for the supported complexes. The activity of these catalysts increases in the order MoF0 < MoF3 < MoF6 before sharply decreasing for MoF9, with a similar effect for the supported systems (MoF0 ≈ MoF9 < MoF6 < MoF3). This is consistent with the different kinetic behavior (zeroth order in alkyne for MoF9 derivatives instead of first order for the others) and the isolation of stable metallacyclobutadiene intermediates of MoF9 for both molecular and supported species. Detailed solid-state NMR analysis of molecular and silica-supported metal alkylidyne catalysts coupled with DFT/ZORA calculations rationalize the NMR spectroscopic signatures and discernible activity trends at the frontier orbital level: (1) increasing the number of fluorine atoms lowers the energy of the π*(M≡C) orbital, explaining the more deshielded chemical shift values; it also leads to an increased electrophilicity and higher reactivity for catalysts up to MoF6, prior to a sharp decrease in reactivity for MoF9 due to the formation of stable metallacyclobutadiene intermediates; (2) the silica-supported catalysts are less active than their molecular analogues because they are less electrophilic and dynamic, as revealed by their 13C NMR chemical shift tensors.

Regioselective Termination Reagents for Ring-Opening Alkyne Metathesis Polymerization.

Alkyne cross-metathesis of molybdenum carbyne complex [TolC≡Mo(OCCH3(CF3)2)3]·DME with 2 equiv of functional ynamines or ynamides yields the primary cross-metathesis product with high regioselectivity (>98%) along with a molybdenum metallacyclobutadiene complex. NMR and X-ray crystal structure analysis reveals that ynamides derived from 1-(phenylethynyl)pyrrolidin-2-one selectively cleave the propagating molybdenum species in the ring-opening alkyne metathesis polymerization (ROAMP) of ring-strained 3,8-dihexyloxy-5,6-dihydro-11,12-didehydrodibenzo[a,e][8]annulene and irreversibly deactivate the diamagnetic molybdenum metallacyclobutadiene complex through a multidentate chelate binding mode. The chain termination of living ROAMP with substituted ethynylpyrrolidin-2-ones selectively transfers a functional end-group to the polymer chain, giving access to telechelic polymers. This regioselective carbyne transfer strategy gives access to amphiphilic block copolymers through synthetic cascades of ROAMP followed by ring-opening polymerization of strained ε-caprolactone.

High Oxidation State Molybdenum N-Heterocyclic Carbene Alkylidyne Complexes: Synthesis, Mechanistic Studies, and Reactivity.

The first synthetic protocol to high oxidation state molybdenum(VI) N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) alkylidyne complexes (NHC=1,3-diisopropylimidazol-2-ylidene, 1,3-dimethyl-4,5-R2 -imidazol-2-ylidene, R2 =H, Cl, CN) is reported. Steric limitations of the NHCs and the benzylidyne are described. All novel complexes were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and solution NMR techniques. It was shown that all complexes presented here show activity in the self-metathesis of 1-phenyl-1-propyne at room temperature. To identify mechanistic differences, an experimental sequence to detect dissociation of ligands was developed. Results reveal dissociation of less electron-donating NHCs in course of the reaction. Mechanistic and reactivity differences were attributed to electronic and steric effects through Tolman's electronic parameter and the percentage of buried volume. Furthermore, Mo-1 containing the 1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene ligand showed good activity in self-metathesis reactions of p-substituted 1-phenyl-1-propynes with electron-donating moieties at room temperature.

Tuning the Catalytic Alkyne Metathesis Activity of Molybdenum and Tungsten 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzylidyne Complexes with Fluoroalkoxide Ligands OC(CF3)nMe3–n (n = 0–3)

The molybdenum and tungsten 2,4,6-trimethylbenzylidyne complexes [MesC≡M{OC(CF3)nMe3–n}3] (M = Mo: MoF0, n = 0; MoF3, n = 1; MoF6, n = 2; MoF9, n = 3; M = W: WF3, n = 1; Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) were prepared by the reaction of the tribromides [MesC≡MBr3(dme)] (dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) with the corresponding potassium alkoxides KOC(CF3)nMe3–n. The molecular structures of all complexes were established by X-ray diffraction analysis. The catalytic activity of the resulting alkylidyne complexes in the homometathesis and ring-closing alkyne metathesis of internal and terminal alkynes was studied, revealing a strong dependency on the fluorine content of the alkoxide ligand. The different catalytic performances were rationalized by DFT calculations involving the metathesis model reaction of 2-butyne. Because the calculations predict the stabilization of metallacyclobutadiene (MCBD) intermediates by increasing the degree of fluorination, MoF9 was treated with 3-hexyne to afford the MCBD complex [(C3Et3)Mo{...